The M65 has been closed off (Image: NATIONAL HIGHWAYS)
M65 motorway traffic is building after a horrific three-car crash killed one person and injured five others.
The major motorway has been closed since about 4am this morning (October 2) following the three-car smash near junction 9.
The road is closed in both directions from junction eight to junction nine and emergency services remain on the scene.
Traffic is heavy in the area, with congestion on many of the surrounding roads. Flow has been slowed down to a crawl for most.
Police confirmed that one persion died in the crash, saying their thoughts are with their loved ones.
Police confirm one person dead in crash
Officers were called to the M65 crash at 3.35am.
Five people were taken to hospital with serious injuries and one died.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this incredibly distressing time, and they are being supported by officers.”
Traffic severe on surrounding roads
Traffic maps show slow traffic on roads in the area surrounding the accident.
Progress has slowed to a crawl or a stop for many. The A682 appears to have had the worst queues.
Westbound diversion
At A671/A679 roundabout take third exit onto A679 Accrington Road
At A679/Bentley Wood Way roundabout take second exit onto the A679 Accrington Road
At A679/A56 junction continue straight through first roundabout
At second roundabout take third exit to join A56 north
At A56/M65 junction 8 take first exit and re-join M65
Eastbound diversion
At the A56/A679 eastern roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A679 eastbound Accrington Road
At the A679/Bentley Wood Way Roundabout take the second exit onto the A679 Accrington Road
At the A679/A671 roundabout take the first exit onto the A671 northbound Cavalry Way
At the A671 M65 junction 10 roundabout take the second exit and re-join the M65
Road may be ‘closed for some time’
Lancashire Police has said that the M65 could be “closed for some time” following the crash.
Severe traffic building in then area
The M65 is shut between junctions eight and ten. The incident took place close to junction nine.
The in is closed in both directions between J8 and J10 due to a serious collision. and emergency services are on scene.
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What we know so far
The M65 has been shut in both directions after a three-car crash early this morning that killed one person and injured five others.